Best and Cheap Android Phones: LG Revolution 4G Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 5 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches ; 6.1 ounces
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
ASIN: B0051HASEA
Item model number: Revolution

List Price : ~~$699.99~~
You Save : $699.98 (99%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Combining the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE mobile broadband network with the power of Android 2.2, the Revolution by LG also offers complete HD support for streaming, playing and recording video multimedia while on the go. You'll be able to download movies and games in seconds, shoot HD videos and share them instantly, seamlessly multitask, and browse the web.
Enjoy ultra-fast connectivity on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network (see larger image).
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network provides speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless' 3G network. With 4G LTE, you'll enjoy simultaneous voice and data capabilities, allowing you to check e-mail, browse the web, download an app, and check directions while on a call. Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company's entire 3G coverage area over the next three years (learn more about 4G below).
In addition to high-speed 4G connectivity, you can also share the built-in Mobile Hotspot via Wi-Fi among up to eight devices--laptop, another phone, MP3 player, and more (additional service charge).
Stay up-to-date with friends and family over video chat with the front-facing camera, and snap crystal clear images with the 5-megapixel autofocus camera on the back. The LG Revolution also records video in HD 720p resolution, perfect for showing on HDTVs via the HDMI video output (or wirelessly via DLNA connectivity).
Keep yourself entertained with the latest movies on the go with the pre-loaded Netflix app. You can also load movies from your PC in multiple formats, including DivX, and experience rich sound quality with Dolby Mobile. And the LG Revolution comes pre-loaded with games, including Rock Band and Let's Golf 2.
Other features include a pre-loaded 16 GB microSD memory card (with expansion up to 32 GB via optional cards), Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo audio streaming, GPS turn-by-turn directions via free Google Maps with Navigation (plus optional VZ Navigator service), access to both personal and corporate e-mail, and up to 7.25 hours of talk time.
Vital Statistics
The LG Revolution weighs 6.06 ounces and measures 5.03 x 2.63 x 0.52 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7.25 hours (435 minutes) of talk time, and up to 335 hours (14 days) of standby time. It runs on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G and CDMA 800/1900 frequencies where 4G LTE is not available.What's in the Box
LG Revolution handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide
Connectivity

Ultra-fast 4G LTE connectivity via the Verizon Wireless 4G Mobile Broadband network, with expected download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps. See more about 4G LTE below.
Onboard GPS for navigation and location services
Integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views
Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
4G Mobile Hotspot capability allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot using your Verizon Wireless 4G LTE connection, which can then be shared among up to eight Wi-Fi-capable devices (five devices over 3G connectivity).
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.
DLNA capabilities enables you to share your photo albums, videos and movies wirelessly with a compatible HDTV or other DLNA device.

Google Integration

Android 2.2 OS (Froyo), upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) via over-the-air (OTA) update
Android Market for browsing and downloading thousands of free and paid apps
Pre-loaded Android apps: Browser, Calculator, Calendar (Google or Corporate), Camera, Clock, Contacts, Email, Gallery, Messaging, Music, News ; Weather, Phone, Settings, Video Player, Voice Dialer, Voice Search, YouTube
Extra pre-loaded apps: Amazon Kindle, Bing Search, Netflix, Rhapsody, Blockbuster, V Cast Apps, Rock Band, Let's Golf 2, Backup Assistant
Google applications: Gmail, Google Search, Google Voice Search, Google Latitude, Google Maps, Google Places, Google Talk
Google Maps Navigation with spoken turn-by-turn directions showing real-time traffic and 360° views of the destination

Communications ; Internet

Full HTML browser (Webkit 5) with Flash 10.1 Support
Personal and corporate e-mail access with support for Exchange ActiveSync as well as personal e-mail accounts (Google push, Yahoo!, POP3, IMAP).
Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture/video and IM instant messaging
Virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype text input for fast text entry

Hardware

1 GHz Snapdragon processor speeds up everything--from playing games to watching shows to opening files from work.
4.3-inch touchscreen display (800 x 480 pixels) with accelerometer plus proximity and ambient light sensors.
MicroUSB port
HDMI port
Removable battery

Memory

16 GB included microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.

Camera

5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash, 3.2x digital zoom, scene modes, customizable brightness and white balance settings, and more.
1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats.
Capture video in high-definition HD 720p resolution

Multimedia

Music player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+
Video player compatible with DivX, MPEG4, H.264, H.263, WMV
HDMI video output with Mirror Mode allows you to view and share your photos, videos and downloaded movies on a larger TV via HDMI output
3.5mm headphone jack
FM radio
Dedicated Amazon MP3 Store app for over-the-air downloads.

More Features

Speakerphone for hands-free communication.
Hearing aid compatibility: M4, T4
TTY compatible

Android Operating System
The LG Revolution runs the Android operating system--OS 2.2 (aka, Froyo)--which provides a faster overall Android experience as well as greater multitasking capabilities. You'll be able to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open. And it features a plethora of new enhancements, including an improved onscreen QWERTY keyboard, full push corporate e-mail, and support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for access to the full Web. It also offers enhanced Exchange support, with Calendar syncing, Global Address Lookup, improved security, auto-discovery, and more.
With integrated Google technology, the LG Revolution brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. The LG Revolution also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets, and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.
Swype Keyboard
An alternative to the Android virtual keyboard, the Swype virtual keyboard allows you to input text by swiping the finger with one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. Based on testing, speed and accuracy are equal to or better than the traditional keyboard-tapping method. You can activate the Swype keyboard by pressing and holding in a text field, wait for popup to appear, click Input Method, and then select Swype.
In the image to the right, the word "quick" was generated from tracing the path shown above in a fraction of a second, by roughly aiming to pass through the letters of the word. A key advantage to Swype is that there is no need to be very accurate, enabling very rapid text entry.
Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network allows you to download photos, apps, and games in seconds and entire movies in minutes. LTE (or Long Term Evolution provides significantly increased upload and download speeds over 3G networks, as well as significantly reduced latency (or lag time). Verizon Wireless expects 4G LTE average data rates to be 5-12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world, loaded network environments.
With these blazing fast speeds, you'll be able to stream HD movies without the annoyance of constant pauses to buffer the video stream--as well as quickly download HD-quality movies right to your phone in minutes. Additionally, you'll be able to download a new song file in about 4 seconds or upload a photo to your favorite social networking site in about 6 seconds.
And with Skype Mobile with video calling capabilities via the 4G LTE network, you'll see callers face-to-face while you're on the go. In addition to chatting with other compatible smartphones, you'll be able to video conference to users on PCs.
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE mobile broadband network will also redefine the mobile office for business users. Business applications that used to require wired networks will be untethered forever, allowing you maximized productivity and efficiency while you're out of the confines of your office. Enhanced security lets you tap into most VPN networks with less waiting, and faster responsiveness enables you to upload 10 MB presentations back to your team in less than 25 seconds.

Technical Details

Ultra-fast, 4G-enabled smartphone running Android 2.2 with 4.3-inch multi-touch display
GPS for navigation and location services; can be used as a 4G Mobile Hotspot for up to eight Wi-Fi connected devices
5-MP rear camera; HD 720p camcorder; 1.3 MP front camera for video chats; 16 GB microSD memory card; Bluetooth stero music; HDMI output
Up to 7.25 hours of talk time, up to 335 hours (14 days) of standby time; released in May, 2011
What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide

Customer Reviews

LG hasn't really been known in the past for their high end phones. Usually you have seen them mainly in the freebie bins. Though with the recent releases of both the X2 and now the Revolution it seems that LG is trying to change the way they are precieved. And in my eyes, they have done well so far.
I am going to say this right off the bat, the battery is neither horrible nor is it great. Unplugged at 7AM the battery with moderately heavy usage it usually makes it past 6PM with around 10% left. Thats with a few phone calls, moderate surfing (I live and work in a 4G area and usually have 2-4 bars) running of apps/games and of course some Netflix and HBO GO usage. Some days vary though and I need to recharge before 6PM. So as with any other LTE phone, you may want to have a spare charger around with you. Keep in mind though, my battery is in no way fully conditioned, so hopefully it will improve some. With the battery thing out of the way you will be greeted with a spectacular phone. The screen is crisp and clear. Not as good as the Droid Charge, but hands down superior to the HTC Thunderbolt.
The phone also comes with 16GB internal storage which is the most of any of the current LTE offerings. This phone also scores higher than both of the other devices in Quadrant usually getting me 2100. Granted not dual core territory, but great for a single core. Menus, games and the internet move quickly and smoothly. And chances are if you are looking at this phone, LTE is probably the most imporant thing on your mind.
The phone , like the other LTE devices, ships with Froyo 2.2.2 and hopefully Gingerbread will be out shortly. Lg has been speedy in getting Gingerbread out for the X2 so hopefully they'll have the same diligence with the Revolution, but we can only speculate with that. The phone also has VoLTE built in, which is nice but the sevice won't be turned on until next year.
A quick run down of differences/advantages between the current LTE phones:
Screen - (Droid Charge with the Super AMOLED+)
Screen/Menu Responsiveness - (LG revolution)
4G Speed - (All Even)
3G Speed - (Revolution has the newest verisons)
3G Data and Voice - (Thunderbolt can only do this)
VoLTE - (Revolution only, but again the service is turned off)
Battery Life Usage - (Charge 660min Revolution 435min Thunderbolt 378min)
RAM - (Thunderbolt ; Revolution 768MB, Charge 512MB)
Onboard Memory - ( Revolution 16GB/14GB (installed/usable) Thunderbolt 8GB/2.5GB Charge 2GB/)
Max Memory - (Revolution 48GB, Thunderbolt 40GB, Charge 34GB)
Camera - (Charge by far has superior Cameras than not only both phones but mostly every phone currently available save the Galaxy S II)
Netflix - (Revolution only)
HDMI - ( Revolution ; Charge only)
All in all, you'll have advantages in some areas and will fall short in others. The Revolution is a well rounded LTE offering and in my opinion was enough to warrant a purchase and 2 year contract from me. If you're looking to get the fastest phone out there, you may want to look at one of the new dual core offerings, but know this, you'll be stuck on 3g. If you want LTE and want to lock yourself into unlimited 4g before Verizon switches over to tiered internet this should be your phone of choice. Dreams of a dual core phone with unlimited LTE support most likely got killed with the delay of the Bionic.

I have had the LG revolution for 2.5 weeks, and overall the phone is pretty good.
Speed - It is not laggy (the reason why I didn't want to by the charge was that it was very laggy in store vs the Revo). I get quadrant scores of 1900-2080 without any modifications. I've played a variety of 3D games, and had absolutely no issues. Internet browsing is phenomenal with 4G. Best download speed was 10mb/s (average 4-6), worst was 2mb/s. Best upload was 6mb/s (average 2mb/s, but upload is a lot more inconsistent than download speeds), worst upload was 125kb/s.
Battery Life - For regular usage I usually get about 12-14 hours of usage before it is dead (this is why I chose it over the TB, I know people who have it, and with similar usage they were seeing about 3-4 hours less of use). I do some texting, check work email throughout day during meetings, and usually play a game for about an hour (like ab, or other random ones). When using the phone aggressively with browsing and streaming and games pretty much non stop it can be used up within 6-8 hours. If I do not touch the phone it drops an average of 2-3% per hour, so based on that I think you'd get about 30 hours stand-by time (my work email is still syncing with it in background, and I have advanced task killer killing apps once an hour). With that said I've watched the battery charge closely (wall charger) and it takes 2.5 hours with the phone on for a full charge from zero, so every minute of charging gets you 5 minutes of use. But when I turn the phone off, the phone charges fully in 1 hour, so every minute of charging gets you 14 minutes of use. Also turning it to 3G showed some improvement, I got about 2 more hours of average use out of it, but when I browsed the internet it was just so slow compared to 4G, so I no longer turn off 4G. I did use speaker phone one day for an hour straight, and it drained the battery by about 10% (not bad at all).
Call Quality - Calls are fine, volume is good, and speaker phone volume is good. I have had 1 instance where someone didn't hear me completely, not sure if it was this phone or there's.
Notification light - This feature should be standard on all phones, so thankfully the Revo has it.
HDMI Output - This worked great, I tried it with Netflix, angry birds. It doesn't just show multimedia; it shows the phones screen as well. Honestly this is probably the one time I will every use the HDMI output, but still not to shabby.
Netflix Quality - This is a nice feature, now available on almost any phone that is worth buying. But with my use on 4g it streams well, there are points where it seems to be running maybe at a bit of a lower frame rate that is noticeable, but nothing that really affects my viewing experience. Also I do have to turn off auto for the display brightness and have to put it on max brightness, once again not a big deal for the 5-6 times a month I watch something on Netflix on here.
Screen - It is bright, not too bad. If you are always outside, it is readable, but this is where the Droid Charge screen dominated. It is very glossy, so I bought a screen protector with anti glare. 4.3" screen is nice, a bit awkward for one hand texting.
Build Design/Quality - Phone feels very sturdy. The rubberized material on the back feels nice, but one note is a very small part of the rubberized material on my phone started rubbing off already. Not sure why, it has never encountered a solid surface rubbing against it, this is the one thing that actually disappointed me. Otherwise one small thing is the charging ports have covers. I had an LG as my last phone, and it had the same design for the charging port, and made it 2 years no problem without any signs that it would fall off.
UI - The LG UI some people have said they dislike on reviews some don't mind it, I think ultimately it is basic. The Apps area I have seen people state it doesn't show things alphabetically, but you can change that by choosing list on the settings in there. Screen transitions are fast. The most annoying thing this phone has is the messaging program that comes with it. When you get a text it opens the keyboard right away, and almost hides the entire text that just came. The intent was to be able to text back without having to hit a button for the keyboard. The LG keyboard isn't too bad, I can type fast with it, but as for the word recognition, I've seen better. The screen lock feature wasn't an issue until I read a forum where someone mentioned they get success about 50% of the time. I didn't even notice but that is absolutely true, if you wait one second before trying it works fine (so it is related to some sort of load time to turning screen on and being ready to be unlocked, widget locker shall remedy this). Gingerbread will come out eventually, supposedly. To be honest the phone works well, and I have not run into any issues without having gingerbread yet, so this is really not a big deal (only big deal with it is the ideology that an OS that is a year'ish old should be put on new equipment. It should be on there, but it really doesn't change anything for me either way)...
Bing - Not completely sure what the deal with putting Bing on the phone, but all items on the screen are customizable. The one integration that everyone uses that you cannot change without rooting is in the standard browser, when you type in address bar section to search it uses Bing. Some people just use other browsers anyways so it's a non issue. For me I don't mind I just use the Google search bar widget (which I would have used anyways), or occasionally Bing if I am already browsing (it's not that bad...)
Camera - This isn't to bad, for a cell phone camera I am happy. If I had an 8 Megapixel (like the charge), I know the extra quality wouldn't affect the random pictures I take, quality is still good enough to be crisp on the Revo 5 megapixel. The flash works well. The zoom works well. The features within the camera app are pretty good. There is a Panoramic feature, but this is absolutely useless, it creates a picture but it has overlap and some areas that show double, I tried it about 20 times and still couldn't get 1 picture that would be usable. Front facing camera, works seems fine.
So compared to all the other 4G LTE's as of today, it's faster than the Droid Charge (I was on the fence to get the Charge, but I just can't stand lag. The charge just gets to laggy very quickly, But the droid charge has a lot more development going on which will possibly remedy this, and the battery on the Droid Charge is significantly better), Revos battery lasts longer than the TB (Between the TB and this they are extremely similar all around, minus the battery, and the TB has more development going on). The Bionic is coming out shortly, but the price tag vs. what I paid for the Revo covers my Netflix subscription for the next 2 years for streaming, or lets me cancel my contract earlier to get a better phone in a year. And anyways the software needing dual core still has a ways to go for variety and quantity (the phone isn't 100% future proof, but I think it is 2 year proof). For a single core phone, it is as fast as it gets. Overall this phone has yet to disappoint.